Unveiling HaLow: Wi-Fi Routers Delivering 250Mbps Over 10 Miles

The future of Wi-Fi technology has taken a remarkable turn at CES 2025 with the impressive unveiling of Wi-Fi HaLow routers by Morse Micro. This prototype is not just another incremental improvement; it boasts a stunning 10-mile range, allowing for a significant expansion of home and commercial Wi-Fi networks.

• HaLow’s capabilities: Up to 250Mbps in a 10-mile radius
• Background: TechRadar first reported on HaLow in 2016
• Commercial potential: Suitable for various setups due to long-range connectivity

HaLow’s roots: From concept to reality

Developed to function on the 900MHz band, HaLow is engineered for low-power, long-range connectivity, suitable for numerous applications including industrial environments and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. TechRadar had first brought attention to HaLow back in 2016, reporting initial speeds that ranged from a mere 150KBps to 18Mbps. Looking back, these figures appear modest, but advancements unveiled at CES 2025 show notable improvements, with speeds reaching up to 250Mbps.

In February 2024, Morse Micro set an impressive milestone by demonstrating the capabilities of Wi-Fi HaLow using the 802.11ah standard. During this demonstration, they successfully conducted a video call over an extraordinary distance of 3 kilometers (or 1.8 miles). Shortly thereafter, in September 2024, at Joshua Tree National Park—an area known for its vast spaces and minimal radio frequency interference—Morse Micro achieved a groundbreaking 16-kilometer (10-mile) range.

Although HaLow’s speed of 250Mbps might not rival that of 5GHz Wi-Fi, it remains more than adequate for everyday tasks such as browsing, sending emails, and managing IoT communications. Morse Micro envisions a future where HaLow routers will complement existing Wi-Fi bands, forming tri-band systems that can utilize 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and sub-GHz frequencies simultaneously.

Currently, mainstream devices like smartphones and laptops lack the necessary support for this innovative technology. However, Morse Micro is collaborating with engineers to integrate HaLow chipsets into upcoming products. The real advantage of HaLow lies in its long-distance coverage, which presents significant opportunities for commercial and industrial applications, especially in settings like warehouses where robots and IoT devices can communicate seamlessly without needing hubs or repeaters.

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